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Big White Ski Resort (Image Credit: Vernon Matters Staff)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Big Honour

Big White, Ogopogo ski patrol receive top division honours

Sep 15, 2026 | 9:58 AM

Big White Ski Resort and the Canadian Ski Patrol’s Ogopogo Zone have received two of the top awards from the organization’s Pacific South Division.

Big White received the Division Appreciation Award for its support of the Canadian Ski Patrol at the local, regional, national and international levels.

The resort hosted the 25th Congress of the International Federation of Ski Patrols earlier this year, bringing ski patrol representatives from more than 15 countries to the Okanagan to share safety practices and training.

Big White has also hosted the Pacific South Division’s first aid competition.

The Ogopogo Zone received the Division Outstanding Zone Award, recognizing the work and achievements of its volunteer patrol team.

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Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort, said the resort is proud to support the patrol and its volunteers.

The Pacific South Division includes six zones providing volunteer public safety services at ski areas throughout B.C.

The Ogopogo Zone’s 2026-27 season is underway. The group held its first volunteer open house Sept. 10, with training classes beginning Tuesday.

Training sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

by Vernon Matters Staff
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